There will come a point in your life where you will need to know about wisdom teeth removal, when you this will occur, how much it will cost, the procedure and recovery processes. Whether you need them personally removed or because one of your family members needs to undergo the treatment, it’s always good to know the ins and outs and be emotionally and financially prepared.

So let’s get back to wisdom teeth basics.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth that appear, commonly referred to by oral surgeons and dentists as the third molars, these four teeth grow at the back of the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25.

Why do we need to extract wisdom teeth?

For a majority of the population, wisdom teeth cause a myriad of problems such as:

· Gum disease

· Bacterial infections such as pericoronitis

· Pain

· Jaw stiffness

· Tooth decay

· Tooth ache

· Crowding or malocclusion of teeth

· Bleeding

· Swelling

The worst case scenario if your wisdom teeth are left untreated is that they can cause more severe complications that can cost you a small fortune later down the track such as turning into cysts that can damage bone and gum tissue. Like with general health issues, dental issues need to be treated in the early stages before they become much bigger, and more expensive dental problems.

How do you choose an oral surgeon?

Choosing an oral surgeon to complete the procedure is important so it’s important you choose one who you can trust, afford and provides you with a thorough consultation explaining the entire process clearly and providing advice where needed. It’s also good to go with a recommended oral surgeon or one that you know has had years of experience and practice. Another alternative is to do a quick internet search of local dental practices and read through the online reviews.

What happens during the wisdom teeth removal procedure?

Extracting your wisdom teeth will depend on how deeply impacted your teeth are. Many wisdom teeth can be extracted like any other tooth. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your dentist or oral surgeon will widen the tooth socket and then with a special dental tool such as a forceps, will move the tooth from side to side until it is loose enough to be removed completely.

However, if your tooth proves more difficult to remove, your oral surgeon will cut through your gums and may remove some of your jawbone to reach your tooth. Then they will extract your wisdom teeth and close the wound with stitches if need be.

Recovering from the procedure

The procedure is only a day procedure so you will not be required to stay overnight and even if all four require removal, the procedure shouldn’t take longer than 2 hours. In order to facilitate a quick recovery you should follow these steps:

· Eat soft foods and mashed foods only – think “baby food” and you get the idea

· Avoid brushing and flossing in sensitive areas of your mouth

· Skip mouthwash for the first few days as this may aggravate the pain

· Try to relax and not overdo as the more rest you get, the quicker you will heal